MP attacks Serco plans for Stoke-on-Trent
STOKE-ON-TRENT central MP Mark Fisher is to write to schools ministers Ed Balls and Jim Knight over the city council's controversial vote not to terminate Serco's contract.
Mr Fisher is to ask the Secretary of State and the minister not to approve Serco's plans for the city.
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Mark Fisher MP
He said: "It is opposed by the parents and Thursday's vote was split down the middle.
"If you took out the councillors who are paid, the vote would have been different.
"There is a huge question mark over the validity of the vote. It is quite clear such a huge change hasn't got the confidence of parents. It has not got the confidence of the council and you cannot make this enormous change on the basis of an uncertain situation.
"Look at the names of the councillors who voted for Serco's plans. Check them against the people with special allowances. It is effectively a pay roll vote."
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by karen, trentham
Wednesday, October 08 2008, 7:58PM
“We are becomming sick of waiting for our MP's to act decisively so well done to Mr Fisher. I am only disappointed that it has taken him 12 months to write to Mr Balls and Mr Knight. All 3 Mp's should be stalking the paths of their ministerial collegues and insisting that the government throw out Mr Meredith's plan. At the council meeting last week I was unable to keep quiet in the public gallery when Mr Meredith was stating facts that were plainly untrue. I have since appologised to him for my outburst I eagerly await his appology for misleading the council members. I fear I may wait for some time!!”
by Amy, Stoke
Wednesday, October 08 2008, 6:24PM
“Well done Mark Fisher. There are certain high-ranking individuals in this Council who long ago ceased to care about quality of education and Building Schools for the Future has become solely about money. I find that completely unacceptable and I welcome the involvement of our local MPs in trying to prevent this shambolic proposal from being pushed through.”
by Ian norris, Tunstall
Wednesday, October 08 2008, 4:49PM
“Cllrs and inparticular MPs only get involved in issues for their area, which is Why Joan Whalley will Support keeping Haywood Open and Mark Fisher will support Trentham. As Haywood has now been withdrawn I doubt Joan Whalley will now oppose SERCO.”
by Matt, Tunstall
Wednesday, October 08 2008, 4:05PM
“What does the article mean "If you took out the councillors who are paid, the vote would have been different."
Paid by who?”
by Tony, pitsnpots.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 08 2008, 2:54PM
“When are the other two MP's going to come out and give the city their opinions of what is going on. Will Jim Knight take any notice..... he hasn't so far! Are the local school campaigns losing the battle? We are blogging at pitsnpots on this issue right now. Link straight back to this article, See you there!”